Investing in your workspace can be intimidating. Whether you are moving locations or are just interested in updating your current space to create an environment where your employees can thrive, you may be looking for some guidance or have questions that need answers. The BOS team has compiled some great advice to prepare employers who are ready to create an office experience in tune with their needs.
Build Your Team Early
One of the most important initial steps to take is choosing the right team (both internal and external) to guide the process towards a successful outcome.
“This includes the Project Manager, Designer, General Contractor, Furniture Dealer and any other important vendors like AV & Technology. Communicate clearly,” said Craig Shultz, BOS Chicago’s Vice President. “What will make this a successful project for you will be defining and sharing your budgets for all categories with the appropriate team members early on.”
Try Not to Rush
Many business owners are unaware how much time goes into creating the ideal office environment. The BOS team wants to remind you great things take time and your workspace is no different.
“When a project is rushed, you won’t end up with the office of your dreams,” said Jessica Bocian, Sales Project Manager. “Take your time selecting a layout and products for your space. You want your investment to be what’s best for your employees, and a rushed project won’t give you the results you desire from your workspace.”
Talk to Your Employees
Asking your employees what they want in their workspace can add significant value and insight to the process. You want to create a space where your team is able to do their best work… so including them on the planning and decision making can bear fruit.
“It is important to understand your particular work culture. Talk to your employees performing the tasks because they know what environment would work best,” said Pete Wilson, a veteran member of the BOS Orlando Sales’ team with over 25 years of industry experience.
An office setting can impact the productivity of employees. When investing in your workspace, consider layouts and spaces that will enhance your work culture.
Think About Trends but Don’t Follow Them Blindly
In addition to talking to employees, reviewing office space trends is crucial to creating a welcoming and dynamic environment. Modern research regarding what works in office spaces proves these new trends can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
“I would wholeheartedly advise end users to do a lot of research on the latest trends, so they have an idea as to what they are looking to achieve,” said Natalie Gadomski, BOS Vice President.
However, it is important to remember that just because it’s considered a trend doesn’t mean it will be perfect for your office space. Kimberly Sullivan, BOS Vice President, reminds every business owner to consider all their options.
“Don’t always follow the trend because it’s a trend. Think about whether it will really be an asset to your staff,” said Kimberly Sullivan.
BOS makes it easy to stay up to date on the latest workspace trends. Explore articles, whitepapers, videos and more at www.bos.com/inspired
Don’t Be Afraid of Change
The ability to embrace change is beneficial to any company’s work culture for a variety of reasons. An investment in your workplace might seem like an intense project to undertake, but the benefits will be long-lasting and rewarding.
“Don’t be afraid of a drastic change. Change in most office settings can be scary, change can feel personal. Employee attraction and employee retention is very important and being an adaptive company that can change is important not only to your employees but also to the marketplace and to your customers,” said Abigail Lynn, BOS Corporate Accounts Manager.
Consider Your Digital Space Too
It’s important to invest into the physical environment your employees work in every day, but do not ignore the growing number of opportunities that exist in the digital space.
“Technology, brand, content, website, social, email, deliverables – your digital space is just as important as your physical one when it comes to culture, retaining employees, attracting top talent, promoting engagement and communicating change,” said George Lucas Pfeiffer, Director of Marketing.
BOS’s digital marketing agency, Workspace Digital, exists to help companies maximize and align their investments in both their digital and physical spaces. Learn more at www.workspace.digital
Finally, Remember That You Can’t Please Every Employee
“You will never make every single employee happy so try to appeal to the masses and then, after the dust settles, tend to individual employee’s needs,” said Jennifer Burica, Corporate Accounts Manager.
Much like in life, it is impossible to make everyone happy. When investing into your workspace, focus on what will benefit most of your employees and your company’s overall work culture. Communicate often and effectively. Engage your teams in the move process. Demonstrate how the investment will promote the growth and future success of the organization.
BOS is proud to be the industry’s most experienced workspace team. As employee owners, we are committed to our success. We have been inspiring workspaces for 70 years and look forward to building a relationship with you. Connect with us today at www.bos.com